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Makelele heads for Blues

By Paul Higham

CHELSEA have insisted that they are close to signing Claude Makelele after stating that they have agreed terms with both Real Madrid and the French midfielder.

Makelele is due to arrive at Stamford Bridge over the weekend for a medical after The Blues finalised deals with both club and player.

Real had earlier said that they had not agreed a fee after an initial é¼20 million (£13.8 million) deal had been reported on.

Chelsea have now moved to clear up the matter by insisting a deal has been agreed with the Spanish champions, and that the move is close to completion for an as yet undisclosed fee.

"Chelsea and Real Madrid have agreed terms for Claude Makelele and Chelsea have agreed terms with the player for a four-year contract," read a club statement.

"He will do a medical over the weekend and it is hoped that the transfer will be completed in time for the player to be qualified for the Champions League."

The move will send Roman Abramovich's spending spree smashing through the £100 million mark as he continues his revolution in West London.

Claudio Ranieri's dream team will be further boosted by the arrival of Makelele, who was the man who held firm in midfield at Santiago Bernabeu and allowed their galaxy of stars to do their thing up the pitch.

He should now be stomping around the middle of the park for Ranieri, should he pass his medical, and will complete an amazing summer of spending at Chelsea after the arrival of Tottenham goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

The 33-year-old completed his move from White Hart Lane on Friday night as Ranieri concludes his search for keeper cover as Jurgen Macho strugles with injury.